Fitness

Remember when Rebecca graced your screen on the blog back in February? Well, today you get to read about her soon-to-be husband, Greg! Greg is a talented athlete and recent nursing school graduate who landed a job right out of school. Impressed yet? Read on…

Current triathlon goal: To survive and hopefully enjoy my first 70.3 in Tempe, Arizona later this year.Why do you want to accomplish this? To challenge myself in a way that I never have.

When/how/why did you start triathlon/endurance sports? I’ve never been much of a runner. I’ve always preferred water sports over anything on land but when I moved to Riverside for college I tried to make the best of it. I met my now-fiancee Rebecca and followed her on the bike while she trained for multiple marathons and in doing so I grew to at least tolerate running. In 2014 one of my friends couldn’t attend her half marathon so she offered to transfer her entry to me. After barely finishing that race with 3 days notice, I signed up for my first triathlon in Ventura and got 2nd place! I was surprised to find that I loved the challenge of triathlon and stuck with it.Favorite accomplishment in sport: Finishing my first Olympic distance triathlon in Malibu

Hardest race and/or workout you’ve ever completed: Paddling from Catalina to Newport Beach.Most memorable training moment: Feeling like flying while in aero on a training ride along the Santa Ana River trail.

If you had to remove one leg of the triathlon and swap in a new sport, what would you subtract, and what would you add, and why? Probably outrigger paddling in place of running. Except the order would be swim, paddle, bike because I’ve always wanted to finish on the bike.

Best athletic encouragement you’ve ever been given? “I didn’t wake up this early for 2nd place” – My dadWords of wisdom to someone considering training for their first triathlon: Don’t take it too seriously your first time out. I did, and contemplated selling my wetsuit and bike, until I realized I had gotten 2nd place in my first one.Something you’ve learned about yourself through triathlon: I was raised with outrigger paddling, which is a very team-oriented sport, so through triathlon I’ve learned that I can rely on myself.Who inspires you and why? Sebastian Kienle and Jan Frodeno because they’re absolute beasts on the bike and I hope to come close someday.

Race mantra:“I didn’t come this far to only come this far”Pre-race ritual: Pretend like the race doesn’t bother me… then panic the morning of.Pre-race pump up jams: I typically don’t listen to anything before a race, not even my gut telling me to go home.

What is the first thing and last thing you do each day? First: breakfast; Last: showerFavorite type of running shoes: I don’t think I’ve had anything other than NikeDream training camp location: HawaiiTraining tips: Bring extra tubes, because they may explode on you.Racing pet peeve: Either punching/grabbing at the swim start or cutting me off on the bike.

What motivates you to keep training and competing? Getting fitter and faster. Plus the race atmosphere is really enjoyable.What motivates you when it’s tough to start/complete a workout/race? Remembering that not everyone gets to do this.

What does “Fuel” mean to you? It’s what allows me to move forward. It powers my body, so I try to put in the best quality ‘Fuel’ that I can, with a couple of cheat days here and there.Any favorite recipes to share? One of my favorite dips: Goat cheese, pesto, sundried tomato, and pecans. Goes great with pita bread.What does being “Fit” mean to you? Not feeling winded after climbing three flights of stairs

Pick one:Long swim, long ride or long run? Long rideOpen water or pool? Open waterTrail or track? TrailSnot rocket, sleeve, or tissue? Depends on where. If on the bike, snot rocket. Just make sure no one is around you! That’s also one of my pet peeves…Solo or group training? Everything is better in a group. I’m less likely to turn early.Chocolate or cheese? ChocolateWatch on your left wrist or right? LeftMorning or evening workout? MorningHat or visor? HatSwim cap or no cap? NoneCheerios or Wheaties? WheatiesCoffee, tea, or hot chocolate? TeaCrocs or Birkenstocks? Bare feet

About 3 years ago, I was introduced to Emma Huebner through her mother and sister. Little did I know that we would become such close friends and training partners. I enjoyed reviewing her interview responses (below), as there are always little tidbits that don’t come out in everyday conversation–even with the close friends that you seem to talk about everything with–like the little thoughts that go through our heads when things get tough, or the pet peeves we have on the race course. It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you this go-getter medical student-athlete-writer; yet another local “super woman”.

Current place of residence: Splitting time between Ventura, CA (home) and Omaha, NE (school)Hometown/place of birth: I was born in Boulder, CO, but my family moved to Ventura when I was a baby.Day job/occupation: Second year medical student at UNMC College of MedicineDream job: ER doc volunteering at Everest Base Camp Medical ClinicFavorite sports or hobbies: Running, skiing, surfing, hiking, writing

When/how/why did you start endurance sports? After being sidelined for multiple seasons of track and cross country due to stress fractures, I decided to try a different distance. Longer and slower turned out to be a much better fit for me.Favorite accomplishment in sport: Beating my dad’s old “record” time running up Mount Sanitas in Boulder, CO [disclaimer: neither of us hold any actual records]
Most memorable race moment: Finishing my first marathon and seeing my parents and sister waiting with open arms at the end. It takes a lot of love to hug someone who is that sweaty.Hardest workout you’ve ever completed: A trail run I did in Aspen, CO last month. I inflicted the pain entirely on myself. The views were worth it though.

Current goals: Finish medical school in one piece and run some more marathonsWhy do you want to accomplish these goals? As much as the nerd in me loves school, running is a much needed stress outlet. It is easier to squeeze miles into my daily schedule when I have a training goal, so my plan for next year is to sign up for a few races. Hopefully those goals will make my daily jaunts more motivating, especially during the cold winter months. As far as finishing medical school – I have wanted to be a doctor since age five, so it has been a long-time dream of mine, and I am finally making it happen! It isn’t easy, but blood and guts are fun. Patients are pretty fun too; it is humbling to learn how much each patient I encounter – whether they are 5 or 95 – can teach me about life in general. People are so smart.

Emma (far right) at the 2017 Clif Mountains 2 Beach Marathon, on her way to a 3:18 Marathon PR

Best athletic encouragement you’ve ever been given: 90% of your performance is psychological.Words of wisdom to someone considering training for their first marathon: Long runs are the most important element of training for a marathon. No matter how “fit” you are, you have to train your body to withstand running for hours on end. Don’t run your long runs too fast! Save the speed for shorter runs and for race day itself.Something you’ve learned about yourself through endurance sport:I can always go a little bit farther than I think I can.Who inspires you and why? My friend Brittany. She is one of the most generous people I have ever met. She gives her all in racing, in training, and in day-to-day life with her friends and loved ones. She’s definitely a keeper.

Pre-race ritual or superstition: I haven’t nailed down the perfect routine yet. What I learned from my last race: don’t eat pesto the night before.Pre-race pump up jams: I usually don’t like listening to music right before I race – I have enough adrenaline going as it is. I do remember Uptown Funkplaying at the start of the San Francisco marathon last year though, and that was pretty fun.Post-race treat: ICE CREAM

What is the first thing and last thing you do each day? First: drink a glass of water, then a cup of coffee. Last: get through a few pages of whatever book I am reading. Currently it is Rules of Civility by Amor Towles.

Training/racing “secrets”/tips: Don’t rely on your watch too much. I try to do the majority of my runs watch-less. It is so much more enjoyable, and I find that it is easier to go the pace my body wants me to go that day.Racing pet peeve: “Keep it up” is one of the worst things you can yell at a runner while they are racing. What, does it look like I’m just about to fall over and give up? I must say, though, I do appreciate the sentiment.What motivates you to keep training and competing? That feeling when you are in peak shape and it feels like you are floating instead of running.What motivates you when it’s tough to start/complete a workout/race? Usually I remind myself that no matter how painful it is, it is better than studying histology.What does “Fuel” mean to you? Delicious food that powers my muscles to perform the way that I want them to. As a poor medical student, fuel also takes the form of any and all free food. I love free food.Any favorite recipes to share? I just posted my favorite vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe on my blog – <https://emmahuebner.wixsite.com/emmaretigan/single-post/2017/06/20/Storied-Lives>What does being “Fit” mean to you? Venturing outside and getting your blood pumping at least once a day, whether it is for 20 minutes or 2 hours.

Pick one:Long swim or long run? Long runOpen water or pool? If the water is at least above 65°, open water. If not, pool. I am a wimp.Trail or track? TrailSnot rocket, sleeve, or tissue? RocketSolo or group training? Small groupChocolate or cheese? ChocolateWatch on your left wrist or right? LeftMorning or evening workout? MorningHat or visor? HatSwim cap or no cap? CapCheerios or Wheaties? CheeriosCoffee, tea, or hot chocolate? CoffeeCrocs or Birkenstocks? Birks for days

Any other fun facts about you? I have broken a total of 10 bones (not including toes). Klutz much?

If at first Dean Hansen seems a bit intimidating, wait a few seconds for the punchline and characteristic smile. Even at 6 a.m. swim practices, I can count on Dean to respond with a sarcastic or witty comment. He is mentally tough in workouts and never misses an opportunity to encourage his lane mates. Thanks for taking the time to share some of your background with your ADoor-ing fans, Dean!

City of Residence: VenturaPlace of birth: WhittierDay job: I own a small construction business called A Door Co. (Custom Garage Doors)Dream job: Orthopedic SurgeonFavorite hobbies: Trail Running and Triathlon

How did you become an endurance athlete? I became an endurance athlete to improve my health after many years away from sports. I also needed to drop 50 pounds. Triathlon started when the friends I ran track workouts with kept bugging me to do a tri. After a year of verbal abuse and hearing “you are made for this sport,” I bought a bike and took swimming lessons. Sure glad I moved to tris.

Favorite endurance athletic accomplishment: The first time I qualified for Boston Marathon was my favorite. The last five miles of the race I knew I had it! It was a very emotional end to the race.

Most memorable endurance race moment: It has to be my first I M 70.3 Santa Cruz last year. It was my first long tri. At 10 miles in on the bike another biker hit my bars and sent me over the curb into the gravel and poison oak on the side of the road. My bike and I were a mess! I got up after a bit of time straightened my bars, levers and brakes and got back to it.

Current training/competition goal: My goals for this year are to complete more tris and to get my feet healthy so I can run fast again. I have been battling plantar fasciitis for a very long time.

Training/competition mantra: When there is a hard workout or race I’m going to learn to suffer like faster athletes ahead of me.

Pre-race ritual: There will be flour tortillas eaten on the start line!Training tips: Hard days need to be real hard and easy days go easy.Training pet peeve: Training partners that flake out at the last minute.Post-race/workout treat: Post race there needs to be a beer or two. Post hard workout or ride, a cold muscle milk!Ideal training “camp” location: I would love to have a training camp at Hume Lake, CA. Beautiful area and high altitude.

What motivates you to keep training and competing? My motivation comes from within. The thought of not being able to give 100 percent at my next race. Also not getting out of shape again.

What motivates you to keep going when it gets tough? When I am suffering I try to look around at others in the event and realize that I am truly blessed to have the physical skills I have. There is always someone out there with less abilities than I have and they keep going. The para athletes have reason to complain, I don’t… they are an inspiration for sure.

Something you’ve learned about yourself through endurance athletics: I have learned that I can accomplish what seems to be an impossible goal if I put my mind and body through the training. I never thought I could swim a mile or more in the ocean and with training now I can, well… that is subjective! Thanks Britt!

Best athletic encouragement you’ve ever been given: “Suck it up” and put in the work. My wife Debbie always encourages me when I’m down. She always picks up my spirits when I’m going through “another” injury.

Athlete hero: Everyone that gets off the couch and puts in the work, without cheating.

Words of wisdom to aspiring endurance athletes: Get out there and have fun! We only have so many days on earth and that number is getting smaller everyday. You can accomplish your goals if you put in the work.

What does “Fuel” mean to you? Fuel is what gets me to my athletic goals. Junk in, junk out.

What does being “Fit” mean to you? Fit is being able to give 100 percent on race day and knowing that it will get me to my goals.

Pick one:Swim, bike, or run? RunOpen water or pool? Open waterTrail or track? TrailSolo or group training? GroupChocolate or cheese? CheeseWatch on your left wrist or right? LeftMorning or evening workout? Come on, we are triathletes–both!Hat, visor or headband? VisorSwim cap or no cap? Swim cap, to cover up the grayCheerios or Wheaties? WheatiesCoffee, tea, or hot chocolate? Hot chocolateCrocs or Birkenstocks? Birkenstocks

If you could swap out one triathlon discipline (swim/bike/run) for another (anything!), what would you swap out and what would you add in its place, and why? I love the swim, bike, run. Maybe bike, swim, bike. Being a broken down runner, less running would be beneficial.

When Brice and I got married, we were able to include many of our good friends in various aspects of the ceremony/celebration including the photography, the ceremony music, the readings, the cake, the table decor, and even the refreshments. We also asked pastor Josh Santin, a triathlete and member of my swim class in Ventura, to be our officiant. It was an honor to have him be part of this special moment in our lives, and it is an honor to continue working with him as he pursues his athletic goals. Read more about those goals, why he tris, and other random facts about Josh below. If you are trying to figure out what to get Josh for his next birthday, scroll down to the bottom for some of his favorites…

Athlete: Josh Santin

Current residence: Oxnard, CA

Place of birth: Hollywood, CA

Day job: Pastor

Dream job: I’m living it.

Favorite sports or hobbies: Football, Basketball, Board Games

When/how/why did you become an endurance athlete? Originally to get fit again. I began by accepting a challenge in 1996 to do the next year’s Steamboat sprint triathlon. Only one person finished after me that year. The passion of challenging myself to do better became too strong for me to ignore after that point.

Favorite endurance athletic accomplishment(s): My first Ironman at Arizona 2010 was a great experience. But my favorite has been and continues to be the Carpinteria Triathlon, because of so many friends on the course.

Hardest endurance race and/or workout you’ve ever completed: Hits Ironman distance Lake Havasu. Got dark at 5:30 pm. Most of the athletes who were in this race finished in 13 hours or less. The last 20 of us finished the marathon in the dark. Very tough when you’re running/walking alone. Pulled my hamstring at mile 14, but continued to walk/limp to the finish line.

Most memorable endurance training and/or race moment(s): Vineman 2011. Temperature was over 100 and my whole body was cramping up at mile 85 of the bike. Somehow made it to T2. Did the first two loops of 3 of the run. At the beginning of the third loop, I quit mentally. I walked over to the lunch trunk and ordered a double cheese with bacon and a large Diet Mountain Dew. As I sat there and ate, I was amazed as these athletes, many older then I, some hurting more than I was, who had the mental strength to finish.

Why do you want to accomplish this goal? Because God made me this way. I’ve tried to walk away from triathlon and endurance racing many times. Believe me when I say I have tried, but I can’t. And it’s because God made me to enjoy the mental, physical and yes PAINFUL, experience of challenging myself to do better and go longer. So now as I race and the mental, physical and painful reality begins to challenge me to quit, I thank God for allowing me to be who He made me to be.

Training tips: Make sure you try out all your racing fuel during training.

Training pet peeve: Flat tire!

Post-race/workout treat: DIET MOUNTAIN DEW

Ideal training “camp” location: Disney Grand Floridian Resort

What motivates you to keep going when it gets tough? I try to remember that I chose to do this, so enjoy it. I also tell myself to remember how I felt when I gave up and quit.

Something you’ve learned about yourself through endurance athletics: I can’t be afraid of failure. Failure is a part of getting better, and that includes me.

Best encouragement you’ve ever been given: It takes incredible courage to put your toes on the starting line of any endurance distance race.

Athlete hero: Shigy Suzuki

Words of wisdom to aspiring endurance athletes: Your dream is just as important than anyone else’s. So don’t let anyone discourage you from striving to achieve your dream.

What does “Fuel” mean to you?: The octane that is going to make my motor work and run best. (Now if I could only remember that!)

What does being “Fit” mean to you?: Taking the best care of my heart, soul, strength, and mind, that was given to me.